Our Team

Denise Combs Ward

Executive Director; Corporate Real-Estate Management, Facilities Strategic Planner 30+ years; a lifetime of Children and Music Ministry leadership and performance. Focus: Developing programs by creating the right team and environment that ensure success.

Passionate and committed to developing strategic partnerships with talented individuals with a heart to utilize their gifts in order to develop a sustainable program that changes quality of life.

“I am amazed what a small group of people with lots of talent and huge hearts can do when we come together and combine our life’s experiences. While we are making a difference in the lives of others, our lives are also changed. I am honored to represent and lead this team.”

Connie has 23+ years of experience in Corporate Human Resources. Previous Mayor of Westport, OK. Owners of a hobby farm, she and her husband had a daughter with special needs, fostered 67 children and adopted three. In addition to serving as Pastor of a local church and on the Board of Pawnee County Economic Development Foundation.

“ATRC is a perfect fit to use all of my life’s experiences with our riders, volunteers and their families. The joy that these special individuals bring cannot be measured.”

Brooke has a remarkable education background with a BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, She is experienced as a horseback rider and instructor.

Brooke’s unique background is very precious to ATRC as it provides her with the ability to teach proper horsemanship while taking into consideration the different needs of each rider and possible disability accommodations.

Vicki Beene

PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor with a huge heart to make a difference in the lives of others! Vicki spends the majority of her time being mom to a special little boy and works with her husband. In her busy schedule, she does make time to barrel race at the national level.

Our Leadership

Board of Directors

Brett’s career in education began 14 years ago as a PK and Kindergarten teacher. Married for 23 years with 3 children, he is very passionate about education and giving students the best opportunity to succeed.

“Our students at Anderson Elementary School have improved in so many ways. They ask everyday “Is it horseback day?” Some of our wow memories include one of our students using a first complete sentence, “I want to ride Horsey.” Another student who has struggled with confidence is now overflowing with confidence. He brags often that he can ride a horse by himself. Overall quality of life has improved for many.”

Rachel Zebrowski, VP

Miles Associates, President; B.A., International Relations at Sarah Lawrence College, NY and Master Architecture & Urban Planning at University of California, Los Angeles

Rachel has been involved in the ATRC program for over five years, serving as a volunteer advisor before becoming a Board Member in 2014. She has experienced first-hand the challenges that come with owning a ranch and raising children as a single mom for many years.

Charles Brown

With a BS in Accounting, a Master in Entrepreneurial Studies and a consistent track record for performance, Charles is a lifelong coach as well as a visionary motivator and mentor. Charles has 25+ years of telecom experience and everyday he passes on the knowledge he has, never turning anyone away. Today Charles is the Inside Sales Senior Manager at Level 3 Communications in Tulsa, as well as a valuable advisor to ATRC.

“We have triplets and they each have their own sport. Our daughter, Sydney, is our horsewoman. She gets so excited to ride with her friends that she sometimes forgets, it is therapy.” Read more about Sydney.

A special Thank You from our ATRC team to Harry and Cubic, Inc., for creating this wonderful website.

“My daughter, Danielle, is a volunteer and she had a life changing experience when assisting a rider. Her experience has touched our entire family’s life. We joined this team in order to help make a difference in the lives of other families.” Read more about Danielle.

Advisors

Charlie Marks

Community Care College, Department Head for the Veterinary Assisting Program

“I am originally from Texas where I started my love for animals working in the veterinary field. During my time in Oklahoma, I came across this wonderful program at ATRC, and loved everything they are doing to help those in need of a change in their lives. I have always known what a difference an animal makes to humans, so I wanted to become a part of this wonderful organization. My goal is to help ATRC in advising with the knowledge I have learned in my field to ensure all horses in the program are cared for, to maintain excellent care and performance needed for the program to continue to be successful.”

Craig Nichols

Oklahoma Director for the World Senior Professional Bull Riding Association (WSPBR). His career as a business owner and a professional bull rider began over 18 years ago. Craig founded Danger Zone Bull Riding Productions and the “Living Legends Challenge”. “Living Legends” chose ATRC as their Oklahoma “cause” to ride, see ATRC events for more details.

“When I retired from riding bulls I got involved with the National Junior Bull Riders Association, I love children. This is just something I feel like I should be doing. It’s a great organization!”

Debbye Scroggins

With an American Studies degree from Oklahoma State University, a JD and an LLM degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law, Debbye focuses on music business and entertainment law. She is an associate of the Jim Halsey Company, spending her time in Tulsa and in Nashville working with artists and events. She enjoys artist development, management, production and promoting.

Debbye also serves on the boards of the Roy Clark School of Music and the I’ll Fly Away Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to inspire youth with the power of music by exposing students to the fundamentals of songwriting. She also serves the National Music Council, the Cowboys Who Care Foundation and the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame.

“All children are treasures. When one makes a positive difference in the life of the child, it becomes an unforgettable experience for both parties and it makes an impact on the world. Speaking from experience, my life would not have been the same had it not been for those who reached out to me when I was a child.”

Grant G Hinch

A principal of the firm since beginning a commercial real estate marketing career with the company in Dallas, Texas in 1985. He has developed commercial and multi-family projects for Property Company of America in several states over the past 30 years.

Mr. Hinch is the managing broker for the firm and licensed with the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. He serves on the Board of Directors for: The Children’s Hospital Foundation at Saint Francis and Community Partners Fund, a charitable foundation of Taylor Hanson. He is a graduate of University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He is an associate of The Jim Halsey Company, and enjoys managing, promoting, and booking artists. He is also a member of The Academy of Country Music.

“My experience in new, existing and complex markets has given my leadership abilities unique qualities. I’ve faced all phases of retail with expertise in strategy development, recruiting, training and operational execution. I have experience with domestic and international operations for rapid growth formats.”

Richard Connor

Richard was born and raised north of Pawhuska, OK, growing up as a horseback rider and working on several ranches. He has 2 degrees from Oklahoma State University: Ag-Communications & Business Marketing as well as Heating & Air. He and his wife also have a Company called Rafter C saddler and Beads. The last 16 years he has travelled all over the United States as a Professional Rodeo Announcer and MC. He is a member of the PRCA, WSPBR, AIRA and several more associations.

He has announced the ATRC Living Legends event the last several years and this year is announcing the 2016 Run For Special Needs Barrel Race, right before announcing the WSPBR World Finals for the 3rd year in a row. Richard has lived around horses and livestock all of his life and believes there is no better life than the Cowboy way of life. He gives all the credit to his success to the Lord and his Family.

“Born and raised on a farm, I learned to love and care for animals from a very young age. I love to spend time with my two beautiful children. My desire is to give hope by creating opportunities and mentoring those in need through the use of equine therapy.’